"COVID-19 RESURGENCE: "Keep Ministry in known of every step" – Health Minister urges UG Authorities

The Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has underscored the importance of timely and transparent communication in managing Ghana's latest COVID-19 scare, urging University of Ghana authorities to maintain close collaboration with his Ministry amid a new outbreak on campus.

He made a working visit to the University of Ghana, Legon, on Tuesday.

Mr. Akandoh attributed the surge in cases to a localized outbreak following recent Hall Week celebrations, where safety protocols were largely ignored.

“COVID-19 communication is very important"

"We entreat the university authorities to keep the Ministry in the known of every step of the way to ensure the situation is well managed, devoid of panic and further spread,” the Minister emphasized.

He assured the university community of the Ministry’s unwavering support in containing the situation and preventing a wider spread.

Later in Parliament, Mr. Akandoh disclosed that out of 316 suspected cases, 107 had tested positive for COVID-19, with the Omicron variant being the dominant strain.

Thankfully, there have been no hospitalisations or deaths recorded.

“Mr. Speaker, the outbreak remains localized to the University of Ghana and has not yet spread significantly to other parts of Accra or the country,” he added.

He cited the recent Hall Week celebrations—characterized by large gatherings, poor mask use, and a lack of social distancing—as the main factor behind the outbreak.

Meanwhile, Professor Gordon Awandare, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs at the University of Ghana, commended the Minister and his team for their swift response and the donation of nose masks to the student clinic.

He pledged to ensure consistent updates are relayed to the Ministry.

“We will do our part to keep the Ministry informed on the evolving situation and cooperate fully in mitigating the spread of the virus.”

The Ministry of Health says it will continue to closely monitor the situation and work hand-in-hand with the university and relevant health agencies to prevent a recurrence.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith